PHI1110A

Introduction to Philosophy

2009-2010 | First Term
Philosophy Major
T 01-02; Tuto
TCW 201; TSA
Wang Qingjie

PHI1110A Introduction to Philosophy

I Course Description and Objectives

This course is designed as a general introduction to philosophy. We are going to approach the subject by a critical discussion of those great philosophical ideas and thought-provoking problems. Lectures and discussions will focus on important philosophical themes such as reason, truth and justification; doubt, belief and knowledge; value, virtue and obligation; existence and reality; God, creation and faith; free will and responsibility, justice and fairness, etc. By means of this course I hope that students will acquire basic knowledge of philosophy, broaden and deepen their understanding of the philosophical ground of their lives and develop their own ability of dealing philosophically with the important issues of facts and values in our contemporary multi-cultural world.

II Requirement and Grading

    1. Essay 30%

    2. Final exam 40%

    3. Class attendance and tutorial participation 30% (The tutorial groups will be instructed by the tutor of the class)

 

III Main Texts and References

  1. Plato , The Trial and Death of Socrates , trans. by G.M.A. Grube, Indianapolis/Cambridge: Hackett, 1975.
  2. Rene Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy , trans. by Donald A. Cress, Indianapolis : Hackett, 1980.
  3. Louis Pojman, Introduction to Philosophy , Wadsworth , 1999.
  4. Steven Cahn, Reason at Work : Introductory Readings in Philosophy , Harcourt, 1990.
  5. 王慶節《解釋學、海德格爾與儒道今釋》，北京：中國人民大學出版社， 2004.
  6. Other reading materials (reserved in NA library)